John "Gene" E. Slattery

John "Gene" E. Slattery, age 90, of Paxton, NE died Friday, August 25th, 2023 at Hill Top Estate  in Gothenburg, Ne.

Gene was born March 26th, 1933 to John and Margaret (Hassenstab) Slattery in Julesburg, CO. He graduated from St. Patrick's High School in North Platte, NE. Gene married Anne Schmidt on June 28th, 1958 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Julesburg, CO. To this union, three children were born. The couple resided on their family farm north of Roscoe, NE for 64 years. During this time, Gene worked diligently farming his land. He also enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard in the fall of 1959. 

During his pre-teen and teen years, Gene was known as "the kid who sold his shirt for the North Platte Canteen in the World War II years". The story begins with the sale of two goats that destroyed his mother's cherry trees. When asked what he was going to do with the ten dollars he received, he announced he was going to give it to the Canteen in North Platte in honor of his sister Evelyn, who was in the waves in California. This sparked an idea in the crowd and they asked what else he could give to the Canteen. He replied, "All I have is the shirt on my back." This sparked an idea that lasted for the next six years. He earned money from auctions and special events in the tri-state-area and gave the proceeds to the Canteen. Gene earned thousands of dollars for the Canteen and became nationally and internationally know for his efforts.

Gene was a man of  few words, was but always eager to learn more about his passions- which was "the farm". He was a man of faith, a man dedicated to his family, and a man who always went out of his way to be courteous and kind to others. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Larry; sisters Evelyn Kleinow and Helen Slattery; and two nephews Scott Slattery and Kenneth Grasz.

He is survived by wife Anne, his sons Dr. Michael (Gale) Slattery of Indianola, NE and David (Toni) Slattery of North Platte, NE; his daughter Johnna (Michael) Arensdorf of North Platte, NE; his grandchildren Michael (Chelsie) Slattery of Indianola, NE, James Slattery of Gordon, NE, Emily Slattery of Lincoln, NE, Amanda (Will) Slattery Engell of McCook, NE, Jordan (Ariane) Arensdorf of Kearney, NE, Jared (Mandy) Arensdorf of Lincoln, NE, Kari Slattery of Columbus, NE, and Katie, Jessica, and Julie Slattery of Lincoln, NE; nieces Joyce Kohler of North Platte, NE, Helen Hackney of McCook, NE, and Shannon Slattery of California; nephew Dick Grasz of East Sandusky Ohio; sister-in-law Mary Slattery of California; and 4 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Ne,Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 from 2:00 P.M.to 5:00 P.M.

 Rosary will be held on Wednesday, August 30th at 10:00 A.M. in St. Luke's  Catholic Church in Ogallala, with  Mass of the Christen Burial  following at 10:30 A.M. with Father Bryan Ernest officiating.

Interment will follow at the Ogallala Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Catholic School in Ogallala, North Platte Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund.

Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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